Monthly Archives: December 2014

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Montgomery County Police have been investigating a personal injury collision that occurred in Bethesda on December 28.

The lone occupant of the vehicle succumbed to her injuries on December 30. This collision is now reclassified as a fatal.

At approximately 3:45 p.m. on December 28, Montgomery County Fire Rescue Services and 2nd District officers responded to a single vehicle personal injury collision in the 4800 block of Bethesda Avenue. The initial investigation revealed a 1997 Honda CR-V had backed up from a parking space, began driving forward, accelerated and struck the wall of the parking garage causing significant damage.

The driver, who has been identified as Gail Silverstone, 88 years old, of 6600 block of 32nd Place Northwest, Washington D.C., was alert and speaking with first responders on the scene and later on, at Suburban Hospital where she had been transported. She passed on December 30.

Investigators would like to speak with witnesses to this collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 240-773-6620.

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating a bank robbery that occurred on December 31 in the Briggs Chaney area.

On December 31 at approximately 10:14 a.m., 3rd District officers responded to the TD Bank located at 3132 Briggs Chaney Road for a report of a bank robbery. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect entered the bank, approached the teller, and passed a note demanding money. The note implied that the suspect had a weapon, but a weapon was not seen. The suspect obtained an undisclosed amount of cash and fled from the bank to a nearby shopping center.

Shortly after the robbery, some of the money carried by the suspect was dropped and then picked up by passersby before police arrived on the scene. The suspect was then observed by witnesses entering the Family Dollar Store at 13817 Outlet Dr. He appeared to change clothes and fled from the rear of the store. Any individuals that recovered money and do not return it could be prosecuted for theft. Police are asking that individuals wishing to return any recovered money contact the Montgomery County Police at 301-279-8000.

The suspect is described as a black male, between the ages of 20 and 30 years old, with facial hair. At the time of the robbery, the suspect was wearing a black sweater, black jeans and black Nike boots.

Anyone with information about this crime or suspect is asked to contact Montgomery County Police at 301-279-8000.

Those who wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward may contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

Detectives from the 6th District Investigative Section are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing Gaithersburg woman.

Jennifer Knight of the 400 block of Woodland Avenue in Gaithersburg was last seen in the morning on December 27. She is described as a 49-year-old white female, 5’07” tall, weighing 115 pounds.

Police and family are concerned for her physical well-being and emotional welfare. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is asked to call the Montgomery County Police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department – Financial Crimes Section want to again remind residents of a telephone scam that has been reported throughout the county. Within the last week, the department has seen an increase in the report of these types of fraud calls. These scammers do not appear to be targeting a particular geographical area of the county or particular group; they are simply dialing a number and hoping that someone will answer the phone and believe their story.

During these telephone calls, the scammer tells the victim that a family member or friend is in trouble or needs help. Scammers present a variety of emergency situations in these calls, to include a loved one who is in jail, has been in an accident, has been kidnapped, or has been physically hurt. The suspect often states that the event has occurred in another area and that the loved one is unable to talk. To assist in helping the family member or friend, the suspect says that the victim must send money via wire transfer or other fund transfer (ie: pre-paid cards, internet transaction).

In previous cases, Financial Crimes detectives have determined that these calls have originated from outside of the country. In current cases, these calls have originated from within the country. Telephone scammers often use a technique called “spoofing” to manipulate and provide a fictitious number to a Caller ID display.

These types of phone scams are not unique to Montgomery County and have been reported in neighboring jurisdictions and around the country.

Please read the following tips on what to do if you receive a telephone call that you believe is a scam:

Do not provide information over the phone. Scammers often ask leading questions to retrieve information from you. Often, you do not realize that you are giving them valuable information.

Scammers create a sense of urgency. Slow down and ask the caller for detailed information and a contact number. Tell the caller you will call them back. Then, attempt to verify the caller’s story by calling family and/or friends.

Remember that scammers often use a technique called “spoofing.” Spoofing provides a fictitious number to a Caller ID display.

Do not send money.

Most importantly, contact police immediately if you believe you are a victim of a telephone scam.